Everyone loves long, lazy days of summer, but you’ll want to be prepared for them. Go dust of that Beach bag and stock it with these summer essentials. The only thing you’ll have to worry about is which bikini to wear.

#1 Sunscreen

We all know the importance of sunscreen. No one wants to look 80 when they are 40. For my face I use Colorescience SPF 30. It’s a weightless mineral powder. This SPF is a great alternative to the typical, greasy lotion. It’s free of chemicals and dyes, so it’s perfect for people with sensitive skin. I love that it’s waterproof and provides me with a healthy glow. Definitely worth the money. Purchase @ www.lovelyskin.com 41.60, comes in six shades.

#2 A uv protectant for hair & an After treatment

Swimming pools, ocean water, & sun can be extremely damaging to your hair. It can lead to faded color, split ends, and an overall dry texture. Your hair color is a big investment and it should be protected. Applying sunscreen to your hair can be just as important as applying it to your skin. I chose 4 different products starting with the cheapest option as suggestions

I’ve lived in the Valley for 8 years and have seen many stores come and go, in fact some really great ones. I believe that supporting small businesses is important, it’s what keeps the community alive and thriving. When I’m out shopping in the Valley, these are a few of my favorite places to shop.

When it comes to mixing Style and Beauty , no one does it better then Apotheca salon and boutique. Not only do they offer an array of hair and beauty services, housed inside the vintage inspired salon is a boutique that sells unique, fun, and trendy fashions. A few of the featured brands you’ll find at Apotheca are: Brandy & Melville, Urban Behavior, MM Couture, and Olive & Oak.

The first time I entered “The Steel Beam” It took me back many years (well, not too many) to when I worked in NYC. It reminded me of the lofty boutiques in Soho. The ones I’d walk past drooling and dreaming of one day shopping in. That one day never came, which is why I was excited to hear about the newest addition to the “Lehigh Valley shopping scene”. The Steel Beam has a laid back atmosphere, with an art gallery vibe They sell one of-a -kind, designer pieces at a fraction of the price. The owner Fay, is lovely and soft spoken. She has impeccable taste, and it shows by all the samples she receives daily. Fay worked in the Fashion Industry for over 20 years and she knows the business inside and out. This store has made a great addition to the Lehigh Valley. The Steel Beam is located in the heart of Downtown Bethlehem.

This is my interview with the owner, Faye. It was conducted in April 2014 right after their Grand Opening. I happened to stumble upon it and thought I’d share it with my fellow fashionistas.

One of my favorite Makeup lines is Benefit, this company takes makeup to a new level. The packaging is fun, the names of the products are witty, and they actually (are you ready for this?) work. Yes, they do exactly what they say they will. I’ve used many Benefit products and will continue to do so. On June 27th. they will be unveiling another product to compliment their already awesome “they’re real” mascara.

This mascara launched two years ago and has become the number one mascara in the world along with their number one primer “POREfessional”. The new product in “they’re real” franchise is a “They’re real” push-up liner. This product took 5 years to perfect, and will be the first to offer a gel liner format in a pen like dispenser. A rubber AccuFlex tip will enable users to draw a line very close to their lashes. Once you plant the liner on your eye it will hold its position, so even if you have shaky hands, like myself you will still be able to draw a straight line. I give all Benefit of the products an A+ , however I will highlight a few of my favorites.

Maya Brenner is a woman of many faces: Mother, wife, jewelry designer, and entrepreneur. She didn’t always want to become a jewelry designer. She was a social worker when she discovered her passion for creating jewelry. What started off as a means off relaxation quickly turned into a full blown, successful jewelry business. Maya has a large celebrity clientele. Her state, initial, and Charm necklaces have been spotted on many celebrities including Nicole Richie, Cameron Diaz, and Demi Moore. Her jewelry has been featured in Lucky, People Style Watch, Oprah, and Seventeen magazine. She published a book called Beaded Jewelry, Create Your Own Style. As if this wasn’t enough, she’s been collaborating with Stella and Dot for years designing and selling an exclusive line of beautiful, sought after delicate pieces. Most recently she was asked to team up with J Crew for a line of initial necklaces and earrings. I was fortunate enough to ask Maya a few candid questions about her life as a multi talented and inspiring woman of many faces.